Luís Neves presented measures to combat road accidents, in what he called a “social design”. Among the announcements are the reactivation of the GNR Traffic Brigade, a fight against the statute of limitations on cases, and a new penal and administrative framework focusing on risky behaviours, such as drink-driving. He also promises “relentless” enforcement with unannounced operations. The Minister of Internal Administration guarantees an Executive “focused” on changing the road accident landscape.
Ministry of Internal Administration announces that the GNR Traffic Brigade will return to the roads
Wednesday, 15 April 2026RSS
Context & Explainers
The GNR (Guarda Nacional Republicana) is Portugal's national gendarmerie—a military police force founded in 1911, with origins dating to 1801. With over 22,600 personnel, GNR patrols 94-96% of Portuguese territory, covering rural areas, medium towns, and highways. Members are military personnel subject to military law, responsible for public order, customs, coastal control, environmental protection (SEPNA), firefighting/rescue (GIPS), border control, and ceremonial guards. GNR vs. PSP: The PSP (Polícia de Segurança Pública) is Portugal's civilian police force, covering major cities (Lisbon, Porto, Faro) and large urban areas—only 4% of territory but roughly half the population. PSP handles airport security, diplomatic protection, and private security regulation. Both share core missions (public order, crime prevention), but differ in nature: GNR is military with military training; PSP is civilian with police-focused training.
